Staff with the City of Kenora say they’re excited to see a new activity being offered to families in the community through Garrow Park’s new Disc Golf Course, which already has plans to expand.

“We’re always looking for interesting things to do to add amenities to all of our parks,” explained Parks and Facilities Manager for the City of Kenora, Shaun Clifford.

“One of the things we learned through COVID-19 is that parks are a very integral part in people being able to get out, mingle and enjoy some of the sights. Our parks were super busy through COVID. So, we’re hoping to do a few more things to make them even better.”

Clifford explains that while the city was searching for a usable green space to develop its Dog Park last year, which was later built behind the A&W Ball Diamonds, they had identified space in the Garrow Park area and trails system that could be used.

That’s when Director of Community Services, Stace Gander, decided to explore the idea of a disc golf course for Kenora as he had personal friends who enjoyed the sport. With a great trail system already in place, Clifford explains that Garrow was already the perfect location.

“There are some beautiful trails back there. It’s a nice gentle, enjoyable walk. And it’s really multi-generational. This is something that grandparents can do with their grandkids. That’s the whole intent. To draw out more people.”

The city’s Parks and Facilities department approached the Manitoba Disc Golf Association for advice on developing the course before they began work to line up the holes, baskets and course. Clifford says test runs took place this spring and more tweaking will take place, but the course is officially open.

“We still have some work to do. Right now, it’s 9 holes. We’re hoping to expand that to 18 holes as time allows. We have some artwork we’re going to get at the entrance of each hole. It will be a really nice user experience,” explains Clifford.

“We want to make sure that we balance between having a very difficult course versus having something too easy. We want to give new users a good experience and not a frustrating one. Yet, challenging enough for people who do it lots to enjoy the game as well,” he adds.

Disc golf is played with discs instead of balls and clubs. One throw from the designated area is counted each time the disc is thrown down range, and the hole is completed when the disc rests in the disc golf…